Meet Claire Larisa
(la-REE-sa)
This is me. Sweepingly dreaming of the little perfect moments that set my heart aflutter, surrounded by the light of the sun, and the colors of the earth.
For the last 13 years, I’ve honed in on doing only the things that bring me joy and in doing that, I’ve found a home in photographing the love we share with one another and the things that make each of us a unique soul on this massive place we call earth.
I have found that being in front of the camera helped me heal from years of being told I was physically not good enough. To me, being photographed is the biggest compliment, and I want nothing more than to shower you with love and praise, because YOU are good enough to be in front of MY camera. Your experience with me will be nothing short of an abundance of joy and laughter, as the best moments of life should be!
MY TEAM
Dru is an integral part of my team, assisting with lighting and second shooting when needed. His background in cinematography brings an added layer of attention to composition, detail, and storytelling — especially on wedding days where every moment matters.
Together, we focus on creating a calm, seamless experience so you can stay present while we thoughtfully document it all.
ABOUT THE LOGO:
The dream catcher in my logo is more than just a design—it’s a connection to my roots and a piece of my story.
As someone of Native descent, I grew up fascinated by the traditions and stories that shaped my heritage. Since childhood, I’ve been drawn to the idea of dreaming. I was obsessed with the word itself and captivated by the way dream catchers protect and guide our dreams. That symbolism has always stayed with me. The feathers appear to move with the wind, mirroring my free-spirited nature and my belief in flowing with the ebbs and shifts of life.
At the center of the dream catcher, I’ve placed an aperture—representing my love for capturing emotion through my lens, even the darker, moodier moments (peep the “abandoned” section of my portfolio). This is where my artistic side lives. The colorful splash woven into the design reflects both my editing style and my personality: vibrant, intentional, and never one-size-fits-all. I don’t edit with blanket presets; I approach each photo individually to bring out its unique story and tone.
The strands of film incorporated into the dream catcher are a nod to my roots. I learned photography on a film camera, and it instilled in me the value of shooting with purpose. Every frame mattered, and that discipline still guides my work today—less overshooting, more intentional storytelling.
P.S. You’ll notice I’ve included two Instagram links—one for my client work, and one for my personal art. Each reflects a different part of my creative world, and I’d love for you to explore both.
AWARDS & HONORABLE MENTIONS
2024 BellaGala Western Photographer of the Year
2023 & 2025 BellaGala Western Photographer of the Year Nominee
2025 & 2026 Featured Times Square Photographer
2025 Whimsical Magazine Featured Photographer
2008 Girl Scout Gold Award Recipient